In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting or ablating cancer stem cells. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting the action of double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminases, or ADAR, enzymes. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating or preventing diseases and conditions responsive to the inhibition of cell differentiation and/or self-renewal of dysfunctional cells, cancer cells, leukemia cells, hematopoietic stem cells or cancer stem cells, e.g., leukemia or Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting a Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway, e.g., by using a Smoothened (SMO) protein inhibitor. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for measuring or determining, or predicting, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) progression, Leukemic Stem Cell (LSC) generation and/or tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for determining or measuring the effectiveness of a treatment, a drug, a therapy or a diet for eliminating, killing or reducing the amounts of a leukemic stem cell (LSC) or cells.